-
Season of JOY
We began the holidays with preparations for our annual Stone Soup. Each class makes a different dish for the event, and all the classes come together...
-
The Power of Family Traditions
Every Monday since September, the elementary students have been joining together for a morning sharing time, the inner joy circle. We spend about 30 minutes together with the intention of connecting with one another and sharing in practices that raise our consciousness as a group and facilitate a child’s personal growth. This last week we talked about our favorite things during Thanksgiving. Almost all of the hands raised...
-
Holiday Generosity
In the Primary class, we've been reading lots of books about Christmas this last week before we go on our break (we studied Hanukkah and Solstice earlier in the month). The theme of many of the books is the old adage, "it's better to give than to receive," and the students have been really compelled by this saying. During show and tell this past Friday...
-
Happy Winter!
At Living Wisdom Schools, we support the exploration and expression of all sorts of traditions and we focus on the Festivals of Light celebrated around the world this time of year. We ask our families to share their traditions we us, teach us something, and expand the possibilities of what we can do with our families. This diversity of traditions is a blessing and gift for our school community. Here is a poem to celebrate the Winter Solstice and the return of the Light. Hope you all have a blessed and light-filled beginning to your year! “I heard a bird singIn the dark of December A magical thingAnd sweet to remember.…
-
Art as a Practice in Non-attachment
Cultures throughout the world, from Tibetan Buddhists to traditional European cultures to Native American cultures, have created temporary pieces of art. The art serves its purpose for a brief time and then is swept away by the ocean, or by the wind, or by a broom. The effort in creating these beautiful pieces allows the creator and observer to practice enjoying what is good and beautiful in the present moment and then let it go when it is time. It is a practical reminder of non-attachment. Sonali Gupta, the intermediate teacher (3-5th grade) here at Living Wisdom in Portland shared a traditional Indian art practice in non-attachment with her students…
